How common is heart disease in people with lupus, and what lifestyle changes can help prevent it?
Heart disease is significantly more common in people with lupus. Those with systemic lupus erythematosus are about 2.5 times more likely to develop atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries) compared to people without lupus Show Full Answer
How common is heart disease in people with lupus, and what lifestyle changes can help prevent it?
Heart disease is significantly more common in people with lupus. Those with systemic lupus erythematosus are about 2.5 times more likely to develop atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries) compared to people without lupus. Women ages 35 to 44 with lupus have about 50 times higher risk of heart attack than their peers without lupus.
In fact, cardiovascular disease—not lupus itself—is the leading cause of death among people with lupus. The chronic inflammation from lupus speeds up the development of atherosclerosis, which can restrict blood flow to the heart and cause heart attacks. Here are lifestyle changes and dietary recommendations that can help prevent heart disease:
Dietary Changes:
* Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
* Limit sodium (salt), sugar, and saturated fats found in butter, cheese, red meat, and fried foods
Lifestyle Habits:
* Get regular exercise (low-impact activities work well for lupus)
* Limit or avoid alcohol
* Quit smoking
* Focus on quality sleep
Medical Management:
* Get regular checkups and screenings
* Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes risk
* Work closely with your rheumatologist and consider adding a cardiologist to your care team if needed
A MyLupusTeam member shared their experience: "When I have chest pain, I have a hard time regulating my blood pressure." Regular monitoring can help catch issues early before they become serious.
March 11
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